A charity set up in memory of a boy who died of cancer is asking people to save lives and give blood.

The Joely Bear Appeal will be running a blood donor session at the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue in Croxdale Road this Sunday.

This will be the 58th blood day the charity has organised since it was founded in 1995 by the Renak family after four-year-old Joel Renak lost a year-long battle with liver cancer.

Since then the charity has recruited more than 1,400 new donors and held sessions to give blood three times a year, as well as raising money for hospitals and research into cancers in children.

People of all ages are encouraged to attend the blood day on Sunday, where there will be a bouncy castle and face painting for younger children.

Dan Renak said: “As has been the norm at these sessions, the whole family is warmly encouraged to attend, whether donating blood or not.

"Many of the children that have been at these sessions over the years are now regular blood donors themselves, regarding the act as a normal thing to do, rather than anything daunting.”

The session runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm with a two-hour break for lunch.

For more information, contact Mr Renak on e-mailing dan@joelybear.org.uk